Thomas Humphry Ward, ed. The English Poets. 1880–1918.rnVol. III. The Eighteenth Century: Addison to Blake

William Cowper (1731–1800)

A Comparison

Addressed to a Young Lady

SWEET stream, that winds through yonder glade,

Apt emblem of a virtuous maid!

Silent and chaste she steals along,

Far from the world’s gay busy throng,

With gentle yet prevailing force,

Intent upon her destined course;

Graceful and useful all she does,

Blessing and blessed where’er she goes;

Pure-bosomed as that watery glass,

And heaven reflected in her face!